Airfix A02056V Westland Whirlwind Helicopter 1/72 Scale Plastic Model Kit

Airfix is the oldest UK manufacturer of scale plastic model kits and has been producing kits for the mass market since 1952. Airfix produce a wide range of plastic kit models aimed at all types of scale modelers with subjects such as; military aircraft, ships, cars, dioramas and licensed pop culture products. Assembly and painting are required. Item is brand new and in its original factory packaging. Listing images are stock pictures provided by the manufacturer or the distributor. As helicopter technology continued to advance apace following the end of the Second World War, the operational flexibility offered by rotary powered aircraft resulted in a race to develop a machine with the power and range to carry both troops and supplies efficiently. The breakthrough came with the introduction of the US Sikorski H-19 Chickasaw, an aircraft which was the envy of the world, with the British military being particularly keen admirers. Having successfully evaluated a number of aircraft, a licence agreement was signed to allow Westland Aircraft based at Yeovil to produce the helicopter for British service. Named the Whirlwind, the first British build prototype flew in August 1953, with the type going on to enter Royal Navy service in July 1954.